In Guskara, Kalita Majhi is not just a house help for the family of Platilal Patra; she has been an integral part of their household for over two decades. Patra describes her as a daughter, and she calls him Baba. Now, with Kalita contesting as a BJP candidate from Ausgram, the family is struggling without her daily assistance.
An Indispensable Member
Kalita used to arrive at the Patra home every day at 7 am and work until 11 am or later, handling cleaning, dusting, and washing. Even after being declared a candidate, she continued working until the family insisted she focus on her campaign. She then arranged a substitute, but the family still finds it difficult. Patra's daughter Priyanka, an alumna of St Xavier's University, noted that Kalita used to care for her child, and now she and her mother manage the tasks. Despite the challenges, Priyanka hopes Kalita will become their MLA.
A Reliable Worker
Kalita is in high demand as a domestic worker in Patra Para. Tapas De, another employer, vouches for her honesty, reliability, and hard work. Before her candidacy, Kalita worked in two houses, earning Rs 4,500 per month. She wakes up at 5 am and starts work immediately, with her mother-in-law helping with cooking at home. Her son Partha, who appeared for his HS exams, assisted with her campaign, along with her election agent Chandranath Bandyopadhyay. Her employers have assured her they will pay her salary even without her working.
Personal Background and Ambitions
Kalita is the youngest of seven sisters. She married in 2006 and began working soon after. Her brother-in-law, Kartick Bag, was a CPM MLA from Ausgram in 2006, but she has no contact with them. Kalita, who never attended school, learned to sign her name after much effort. She is confident of winning and aims to show that a domestic worker can become an MLA. Her campaign focuses on the BJP's anti-corruption pledge and women's empowerment, and she vows to speak for poor people like herself if elected.
